Initially launched exclusively for AirPods Pro 2, Adaptive Audio has now been expanded to AirPods 4 as well. Apple designed this feature to potentially become the go-to noise mode for users. However, did you know that you have the option to personalize Adaptive Audio to suit your preferences? Here’s how an update in iOS 18 could help you adopt a single noise mode for your AirPods in the long run.
Apple’s initial version of Adaptive Audio didn’t impress me, but it’s improved significantly
Adaptive Audio debuted with iOS 17, and here’s how Apple presented it back then:
Adaptive Audio [is] a new listening mode that dynamically blends Transparency mode and Active Noise Cancellation based on a user’s environment, delivering an optimal experience moment by moment. This innovative listening mode will tailor the noise control experience as users navigate diverse environments and interactions throughout their day.
Apple clearly aimed for Adaptive Audio to become the primary noise mode for many AirPods users.
Instead of manually switching between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency, Adaptive Audio was introduced as a hybrid solution, combining the advantages of both modes.
However, during my initial tests, I found that it didn’t quite meet my expectations. It seemed to lack sufficient noise reduction, and I often leaned towards using Transparency mode in certain settings.
However, I’ve heard that Apple has made several upgrades and refinements to Adaptive Audio with subsequent firmware releases.
So, I decided to give it another try recently and noticed significant improvements.
While Adaptive Audio hasn’t completely replaced my need for Active Noise Cancellation for maximum sound blocking, it has adequately taken over from Transparency mode.
Notably, there was a new setting introduced in iOS 18 that I had overlooked until now, and it could potentially make Adaptive Audio my preferred option.
iOS 18 offers customization options for Adaptive Audio
Last September, alongside a variety of enhancements in iOS 18, AirPods also received an upgrade to Adaptive Audio.
You now have the option to personalize Adaptive Audio to permit “more” or “less” ambient noise.
Here’s how you can do this:
- While wearing your AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 4, launch the Settings app
- Navigate to the AirPods section at the top of the screen
- In the Audio section, tap ‘Adaptive Audio’
- Adjust the slider to suit your preferences
On this slider screen, you will encounter the following:
Adaptive Audio dynamically adapts to your surroundings, managing external noise by allowing or canceling it. You can customize Adaptive Audio to let in more or less noise.
I’m enthusiastic about experimenting with altering Adaptive Audio to determine how it impacts my experience. It would be excellent if these adjustments allowed me to remain in Adaptive mode all day long.
Do you utilize Adaptive Audio with your AirPods? Share your thoughts in the comments.
